X-Wing Alliance was the final installment of Totally Games' series of Star Wars space sim games (X-Wing, TIE Fighter, X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, and XwA). It features a story-driven campaign mode that allowsed you to take on the role of a freighter pilot who joins the Rebel Alliance and becomes a veteran starfighter pilot through a series of missions that culminates with The Battle of Endor.
Gameplay is nearly identical to its 3 predecessors, with the added addition of joystick rudder control, allowing ships to roll without having to press and hold a button. It also features "Skirmish Mode", which allows you to build your own little missions with up to several dozen different starfighters, capital ships, freighters, satellites, and more. Most importantly, you can pilot imperial ships in skirmish mode. I usually leave the music toggled off while playing XwA, because it is known to cause stutter or crashes.
X-Wing Alliance features a fan-based mod series known as X-Wing Alliance Upgrade, featuring Darksaber's Craft Pack, which updates the textures and improves the detail on all the ships, planets, asteroids, and cockpits. I have been playing this game using these mods for years, and it is still being periodically updated. You can find more information on those mods by performing a simple Google Search.
Like TIE Fighter, X-Wing Alliance is a challenging game, and not for the faint (or self-entitled) at heart. But it sure is fun! It is still available for purchase on GOG and Steam, although I highly recommend the GOG version. I have found its replay value to be extremely high over the years.
